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We have an adversary who is dedicated to our destruction. It’s the devil. And about him, the Apostle Peter cautions us with these words: “Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, GW)

The devil, also called the serpent, the dragon, and Satan in the Bible, is a very formidable enemy. It was Satan who, through a serpent, craftily influenced Adam and Eve to make choices that led to both being expelled from the Garden of Eden and ultimately to their death (Genesis 3:1-24). And from their choices, sin became part of the human condition and with it the evil that ravages our world — and you and me.

Satan is on a mission to draw us into ways of thinking and doing that will destroy us and keep us from the good God wants for us (John 10:1-18). But Satan is a defeated foe, and we can successfully reject his evil schemes.

Here’s the good news:

• “The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. May the good will of our Lord Jesus be with you!” (Romans 16:20, GW)
• “There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, GW)
• “So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.” (James 4:7, GW)

What does it mean to place yourself under God’s authority? It means to acknowledge that you are subordinate to or subject to God. It means to submit or surrender control of your life to God. It means to yield to or follow God’s admonition or advice. It means to obey God.

What does it mean to resist the devil? It means to oppose or set yourself against Satan. It means to rebel against his rule. It means to withstand or hold your ground against his schemes.

Wow!!! How do we do that?

• “My dear friends, you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I’m absent. In the same way continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.” (Philippians 2:12–13, GW)
• “Jesus looked at them and said, “It’s impossible for people ⌊to save themselves⌋, but it’s not impossible for God to save them. Everything is possible for God.”” (Mark 10:27, GW)

Bottom Line: We don’t; God does!!!!! That is, if we let him.

Many of us struggle to make changes in our lives that we want or need to make. And many of us are caught up in destructive habits and patterns of living that negatively affect us and those around us. Yet, we don’t seem to be able to move forward.

In my life, I have discovered that apart from the power of God, lasting change is impossible. I therefore CLING to this promise: “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, GW) I invite you to do the same.

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